The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) has been monitoring reported issues at the Med Spa in New Mexico for years, and was very saddened to learn of the first known transmission of HIV through cosmetic injection services via contaminated blood as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent investigation. The patients who contracted HIV from receiving platelet-rich plasma with microneedling, also known as a vampire facial, at an unlicensed New Mexico spa had no known HIV risk factors.
“The results of the CDC’s investigation emphasize the growing patient safety concerns regarding the lack of regulation and proper oversight of medical spas / procedures. Patients deserve optimal safety in all settings when receiving medical procedures” said ASDSA President Seth Matarasso, MD. “We recommend that all patients visiting a medical spa ask: Who owns and operates the med spa? Who is performing the medical procedure and do they have the proper education, training and oversight. And is a physician present onsite?”
ASDSA champions patient safety and supports medical spa procedures based on patient outcomes and quality care, as well as appropriate on-site physician supervision, oversight and training. We represent over 6400 board certified dermatologists who specialize in dermatologic surgery for cosmetic, oncologic, and medical conditions of the skin.